Upon the closing of the 2nd batch of the Independent Student Exchange Program (PMM), Universitas Dian Nuswantoro (Udinus) held a farewell party showcasing traditional dances from various regions in Indonesia. During the event, students bid farewell to every fellow student and committee involved in the program. The party took place on the sixth floor of the I building, on Thursday, January 26th, 2023.
The farewell party was attended by Prof. Ir. Edi Noersasongko, M.Kom., (the Chancellor of Udinus), and it was opened by Dr. Ir. Dwi Eko Waluyo, M.M., (the Head of the Partnership and International Bureau). On the same occasion, Awanis Linati Haziroh S.M., M.M., (a lecturer) was also present. In addition, every vice chancellor and dean of faculty on campus also made an appearance.
During his greetings, the chancellor expressed his gratitude to all exchange students for choosing Udinus as a place to study for a semester. Through this program, students were expected to develop a cross-cultural understanding. During their time at Udinus, the exchange students were introduced to various Javanese cultures.
“We hosted this party to express our gratitude and bid farewell to these exchange students. Moreover, we are also committed to grant scholarships to students if they were to continue their studies to a higher degree,” he uttered.
At the farewell party, students also presented various forms of entertainment. One of which was a traditional dance performance and poetry entitled Drops of Memories, which was presented by one of the exchange students. The party was concluded by a bouquet handover to the chancellor and his staff members accompanied by a flash mob.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ir. Dwi Eko Waluyo, M.M., (the Head of the Partnership and International Bureau at Udinus) explained that Udinus provided the Nusantara Module. This module served as a platform for exchange students to get to know the cultures surrounding Semarang and Java in general. The program has been running since September 2022 and ended today.
“We introduced them to various cultural aspects, including religious places, cuisines, and the tourist attractions of Semarang. Hopefully, these exchange students can share their impressions concerning Semarang with their friends and family in their hometown,” he hoped.
Ester Gracella Rubiyanto, an exchange student from the Paulus Christian University, and Jeremi Anggi Siagian, an exchange student from Universitas Sumatera Utara, also shared their experiences regarding their studies at Udinus. Additionally, they also shared that they attend regular classes and the programs initiated by the Nusantara Module, which mainly served as an introduction to Javanese cultures.
During her time as an exchange student, Ester Gracella Rubiyanto gathered a remarkable impression for being able to know many cultures from different regions. Furthermore, she also shared her experience of learning the art of Batik in Semarang. According to her, Batik was an amazing work of art every student must bring to their respective hometowns.
“Through this program, we could feel the atmosphere of studying at a private university. For me, this is an unforgettable experience to be able to get to know students from many different regions in Indonesia,” she revealed.
The Independent Student Exchange Program is a program initiated by the government through the Independent Campus Program. This program was initiated to instill the beauty of diversity in students, as well as push their academic skills to the next level. (Humas Udinus/Haris. Foto: Humas Udinus)
